Mayor honors 3 retiring council members at city party

THEIR DAY: Mayor Scott Avedisian declared Thursday as the day for each of the retiring members of the City Council in proclamations he read at a Christmas party that evening. From left are: Ray Gallucci, Bruce Place, Avedisian and John DelGiudice.

John Howell

Posted
Thursday, December 27, 2012 1:00 pm

With city employees gathered around for a Christmas party at Meadowbrook Lanes last Thursday, Mayor Scott Avedisian stepped forward to recognize the service of three councilmen who will retire as council members this year.

Avedisian read proclamations for each of the three: Raymond Gallucci, John DelGiudice and Bruce Place.

Avedisian talked about how Gallucci was born in Warwick, and was a former member of the Sewer Authority. He was first sworn in to the Ward 8 seat in 2005.

“Ray’s ability to work across party lines has benefited Warwick residents and businesses alike,” said Avedisian, who noted that Gallucci served as the Finance Committee Chairman. He also recognized Gallucci for his commitment to the community.

“His dedication was particularly evident during the historic 2010 Floods, when he worked around-the-clock with city and state officials to help his constituents, who lived in some of the hardest-hit neighborhoods.”

Avedisian said that Gallucci was always available early in the morning, but despite his love of “gadgets,” wasn’t one for some modern conveniences.

“Anyone calling his house is likely to get a busy signal, since he refuses to have call waiting,” said the mayor. “Ray is well known for a friendly grin and a sometimes devilish gleam in his eye when he jokes.”

Gallucci, like his fellow councilman, John DelGuidice, decided not to seek re-election this year. DelGuidice was first elected to the Ward 5 council seat in 2004. Avedisian noted that DelGuidice’s father once held the same council seat.

“During his tenure, John has been a strong advocate for issues that affect his constituents,” said Avedisian. “He has been particularly supportive of the revitalization of the iconic Rocky Point property and spearheaded the creation of the walking/biking path on Meadowview Avenue.”

DelGuidice served as the chairman of the commission that examined the widespread coyote problem in 2005, and earned the affectionate nickname, “The Coyote Guy.”

“As a small businessman, John has worked to ensure that Warwick remains a business-friendly community,” said Avedisian.

Rounding out the trio of councilmen who did not seek re-election this term is Bruce Place, a lifelong Warwick resident who served as the council president and the Ward 2 councilman beginning in 2007.

“Bruce has been a dedicated and responsive councilman who has worked across party lines to improve life for the residents of Warwick,” said Avedisian. “He has worked tirelessly to address constituents’ concerns, and, as City Council President, has worked well with the Avedisian administration on a number of critical issues, including pension reform.”

Place helped to work toward a citywide Geographic Information System, led a committee to re-purpose the Rhodes School and supported Rocky Point improvement and preservation efforts.

“His motto, ‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,’ has served Bruce very well in all aspects of his life,” said the mayor. “A true gentleman with a mischievous sense of humor, Bruce has been well respected by his council colleagues and department directors alike.”

In addition to honoring the men individually, Avedisian proclaimed that Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012 would be Ray Gallucci, John DelGuidice and Bruce Place Day.

The Mayors three yes men, How will he get his tax increases pass? Replace them with 2 yes men so he still has 5-4 lead against the taxpayers of Warwick. The big lossers for the next two years.. The people that pay the bills in the city,not the one that take the tax money to get paid.. You don't pay taxes with other peoples tax money at pays your salary. Happy Year .

No law against shopping StevieD. No law agianst sleeping on the job either,( your job only) However, the perception is that when there is a million dollars worth of apparattus taken to a supermarket several times per day per station and 4 - 6 men buying groceries while on the clock, it is reasonable to assume that it is no in the best fiscal interest of the taxpayer. But again, I am quite sure that you would argue that it is ok for DPW workers to "borrow" tools, drive around all day without working, remove materials from the city yard for private landscaping projects etc... All of this activity is easy to condone when you are the taker and not the takee.

As far as the 3 nit wits (4 actually) shown above. Those are the allies that have refused to reign in the spending on the rediculous contracts that you enjoy. I understand your affection for them.

No law against shopping StevieD. No law agianst sleeping on the job either,( your job only) However, the perception is that when there is a million dollars worth of apparattus taken to a supermarket several times per day per station and 4 - 6 men buying groceries while on the clock, it is reasonable to assume that it is no in the best fiscal interest of the taxpayer. But again, I am quite sure that you would argue that it is ok for DPW workers to "borrow" tools, drive around all day without working, remove materials from the city yard for private landscaping projects etc... All of this activity is easy to condone when you are the taker and not the takee.

As far as the 3 nit wits (4 actually) shown above. Those are the allies that have refused to reign in the spending on the rediculous contracts that you enjoy. I understand your affection for them.

Rob, stop the complaining. Cops get coffee in their cars DPW workers get a break. I'd be more than happy to take my own car and get food for work if you can give us a half hour for lunch. Unfortunately our job doesn't allow for breaks. We are allowed to sleep at night when there are no calls. That never happens. Stop in any station and look at the log book. I can't speak for the DPW, so go follow them. When are you moving to Florida you deadbeat...